The slick roads at the 2007 Rally of the Tall Pines are catching up with some of the drivers, while others are thriving in the conditions. Frank Sprongl, a veteran in these conditions is now in the lead, with Antoine just behind!
“Everything is better than planned!” exclaimed Antoine L’Estage, who after five stages was tied with Frank Sprongl for the rally lead. “We’re just taking it easy, and get to the finish.” Frank is also being conservative, still getting the set up of the car just right. “I’m adjusting the dampers after each stage, just getting comfortable.” Moments later, word reached the two that ACP was out. “Let’s go play!” called Antoine.
Peter Thomson, who had the lead initially, is now farther back thanks to a failed turbo and a penalty for checking out of service too late. Despite the difficulties, Peter is nothing but smiles. “The conditions are perfect, we’re just having great fun, and everything has sort of clicked.” Peter did explain he would like to get a podium, and has to make up about two minutes to do it. With eight stages remaining, there is certainly an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Craig Henderson is in third, and elated with that standing. “We hoped for top ten, and now we’re in third!” Just behind is Martin Gauvin, and co-driver Daniel Duchesneau. “We are being very safe, we can win P4,” explained Duchesneau. Others are having a harder time with tire choice and the tricky conditions. Mark Williams was happy to simply be on the road in his Subaru after crashing at Defi Ste Agathe.
Peter Reilly brought confirmation that Comrie-Picard was out. “I pulled him out last time, but there’s NO WAY now! He’ll need a couple of trucks to get out now.” ACP had lost control on a fast section of the Peanut and stuffed his car in quite deep. The crew are reported ok, but there is no word on the car at the moment.
Dave Mirra has been enjoying a great deal of success at this event so far, and has moved up above 20th position. He tells us he’s hooked on rally. “There’s no hope, it’s totally beyond my control!” smiled Mirra.
Teams are now out on the Hastings stages before the last service prior to the night stages. The regional competitors are now in Parc Ferme, awaiting the completion of the national only portion of the event. Check back for a complete report on the 2007 Rally of the Tall Pines. For now, it’s time to get to the infamous Castledine’s Corner!
Words and Photos by Dean Campbell
Nice to see Sprongl back in the lead. Nice run of Egan Creek to, 22 sen faster then Antoine. Can't wait for the night stages :)
Posted by: Krass Kantchev | November 24, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Nice to see Sprongl back in the lead. Nice run of Egan Creek to, 22 sen faster then Antoine. Can't wait for the night stages :)
Posted by: Krass Kantchev | November 24, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Nice to see Sprongl back in the lead. Nice run of Egan Creek to, 22 sen faster then Antoine. Can't wait for the night stages :)
Posted by: Krass Kantchev | November 24, 2007 at 02:26 PM